The best Australian places to visit in the off-season

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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Discover why the off-season rivals summer as the best time to explore Australia.

If Australia were represented as a season, it would be summer. Hot, balmy days are what the world knows us for. But we know better. We know that in the off-season, some of the real Australian magic happens. Here are some of our favourite things that only happen when the weather starts to cool and the crowds start to thin out.

1. Experience a Tasmanian winter

It’s only right to start with a state whose entire marketing campaign is centred around the off-season. Tasmania really does know how to embrace chillier days. Spend every day staying warm by the fire with Tassie’s famed wine and produce (winter is truffle hunting season, after all). Join the cold plunge craze and take a dip in the ocean. Or, join one of the most renowned winter festivals, Dark Mofo , which is back in 2025.

dark mofo in tasmania
Book a ticket for the grand return of Dark Mofo. (Image: Adam Gibson)

2. See turtles hatching in Queensland

With eggs being laid in the summer heat between November and January, autumn becomes the perfect time to catch little hatchlings as they make a dash for the roaring ocean. There are many places along the coastline where this occurs, but visit Lady Elliot Island, Heron Island or Mon Repos Beach for the most immersive and turtle-friendly experiences.

a hatching turtle scuttle towards the ocean Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to spot these cuties. (Image: TEQ)

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3. Head to the outback

Unlike along Australia’s coast, the outback maintains clear skies and abundant sunshine all through the winter months. Not to mention that the temperatures become very reasonable, with max temps falling to the low 30s. This means it’s the perfect time to explore Uluru or go hiking in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Head to the unique Coober Pedy, which becomes a far more bearable temperature from April to October. Or check out Queensland’s Birdsville, and the iconic Big Red sand dune marking the start of the Simpson Desert.

two people drinking at a pub in coober pedy during sunset
Enjoy better temperatures in Coober Pedy over winter. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Spot orcas in Western Australia

Head to Bremer Bay in the southwest corner of the state to see the largest congregation of orca whales in the southern hemisphere. Here, offshore canyons make for rich hunting grounds, enticing orcas from January until April. You might even catch them in something of a feeding frenzy. In general, Australia is an amazing place to find whales of many breeds, discover them all in our guide.

orca on Naturaliste Charters in Bremer Bay
See orcas up close in Bremer Bay. (Image: Tourism WA)

5. Thaw out in the Top End

The off-season doesn’t have to mean bracing for a chill. Chase the eternal sunshine and head up to Australia’s Top End. Darwin is a laid-back city that packs a punch when it comes to good food and epic day trips. Head to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market for laksa on the beach as the sun goes down, drive 1.5 hours south of Darwin to swim in Litchfield National Park’s natural water holes or even take a helicopter or 2.5-hour ferry to discover the local culture of Tiwi Islands.

Thanks to summer rains, April and May make the trails around Kakadu National Park and Kings Canyon particularly lush. Plus, most waterholes reopen about this time, after the heavy rains stop.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market darwin
Indulge in the famous laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market. (Image: Tourism NT/ Sean Scott)

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6. Get cosy in Adelaide’s wine country

Wine goes with everything and every season. But there’s something particularly enjoyable about getting cosy in wine country when the air outside is crisp. The best part? Adelaide has several incredible wine regions to choose from. Pick your experiences from some of our favourites, and if you’re heading to Adelaide Hills don’t miss these drops.

Pindarie winery Barossa south australia
Warm up with quality wine. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission)

7. Shred New South Wales’ snowfields

Every year, NSW’s Snowy Mountains come alive with snow bunnies. Winter is anything but slow here. Starting around the June long weekend and runs until October, with peak season usually in July and August. You don’t have to love skiing, either. Warming yourself by a hotel’s fireplace and taking snow hikes are totally acceptable ways to enjoy the snow. Just read our tips before you go, even if you’re on a budget.

a tour group with Thredbo Valley Horse Riding in the snow
You don’t need to ski to enjoy the snow in NSW. (Image: DNSW)
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.